Malcolm
Grady

5.5.15 - Wabash Valley JC recruit, currently ranked No. 13 in Illinois’ 2015 class, No. 137 overall. Highly athletic 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame, long limbs. Has received considerable pro interest this spring due to projectable upside, athleticism and perceived signability. Against Lockport, velocity wasn’t where it was at earlier in the season when we saw multiple 92s. Grady’s fastball consistently hovered in the 87-89 range, touching 90 a few times in the early innings. In the sixth, however, he touched 90 multiple times and several 89s. Slider flashed sharp 11/5 action at times, showing the makings of a well-above average pitch in the future in the 72-73 range. As the game went on, he found the feel for the pitch and threw it more consistently for strikes; early on, he had tendency to get underneath pitch. Did not throw a changeup. Mechanically raw and inconsistent in delivery. Athletic arm, high ¾ slot, stabs down on takeaway, opens up front side at landing.  Started shakily, allowing three hits and walked in a run on a 90-mph just off the plate in the first inning. However, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound Wabash Valley recruit bounced back to turn in a solid effort. In 5.2 innings, Grady struck out seven, walked four, hit one batter, and yielded six hits and one earned run.

3.31.15 - 6-foot-4, 195-pound lanky and athletic right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 13 in Illinois, No. 137 overall, Wabash Valley CC commit. Grady came out firing in his first outing of the year, sitting 89-92 mph in the first, with a majority of his fastballs in the 91-92 mph range. When down in the zone, his fastball exhibits arm side run, with late life. His breaking ball was much improved from the summer time, when it was a 69-72 mph offering without tight rotation. The pitch was more of a power slurve, with 11/5 shape, thrown mostly from 75-77 mph. He showed the ability to throw it for strikes early in the count, and also turn it into a chase pitch with two strikes, starting it in the middle of the plate, finishing down and off the plate. He flashed a changeup in between innings, but not in game play, it’s been a 79-82 mph offering in the past and he showed feel for it in warmups. Grady has a smooth delivery, and a projectable frame. His athleticism has been noted, starring on the hardwood this winter for the Vikings as well. He works from a long, loose, high ¾ arm action, lower half stays in line with home plate, loads over the rubber with front foot, front knee can rush forward at times. Grady maintained his velocity from the stretch when he picks his knee all the way up, when he glide steps his fastball dropped to 87-88 mph, but picked back up to 90-91 when he wasn’t trying to be quick to the plate. He was anywhere from 1.02-1.08 from the glide step, so he can load the lower half a little more and still be quick to the plate. High follow draft prospect, who may see even more velocity later this spring with the warmer weather.

6/19/14 - 6-foot-4, 195-pound right-handed pitcher currently ranked No. 35 in Illinois’ 2015 class, No. 238 overall.  Grady’s smooth delivery and projectable frame make it easy to see future velocity gains.  Works from a long and loose, high ¾ arm angle, with a slight stab in back at times that can effect command.  Lower half stays online with home plate, but front foot gets outside of back knee at load, causing him to rush/topple towards home at times.  Easy 84-86 mph fastball shows slight arm side run.  69-72 mph curveball got better later in his bullpen session, flashing some 12/6 action later, backing up on him earlier.  Showed great arm speed on 76-80 mph changeup with arm side run.  Grady’s delivery is as easy as it comes, and he possesses a prototypical big league pitcher’s frame that should be able to add velocity in the future.

2.16.14 Lanky, athletic frame, long limbs, 6-foot-4, 195-pound right handed pitcher, highly projectable. Delivery works online, regular effort. Arm action is quick, and loose, high ¾ slot. Fastball has run, consistently sat 86-87 mph. Curveball topped out at 77 mph, 11/5 action, flashed aggressive arm action. Changeup showed above average feel, occasional sink, 79-81 mph, showed feel for the zone, near fastball arm speed. 

7.17.13 - High-ceiling 6-foot-3, 195-pound right-handed pitcher with extremely long arms and legs. Highly athletic frame with more room to develop. Excellent hand acceleration, quick, loose arm from over the top slot. Slow tempo, tall and fall delivery, fastball shows life through hitting zone, topping at 82 mph. Off-speed pitches inconsistent but flash promise. Threw occasional sharp, late-breaking 12/6 curveball in 60-64 range. Changeup flashed late sink in the 65-69 range. With improved timing and rhythm, Grady should see vast jumps in his three-pitch mix.

2/18/13 - Long projectable pitchers frame, 6-foot-2, 195-pounds, long limbed, right handed pitcher. Delivery shows balance, slow tempo start to explosive finish, regular effort. Arm action is loose, gets extension, slot sits between high ¾ and over the top. Fastball shows run, thrown for strikes, 80-82 mph, touching 83 mph. Curveball has 11/5 shape, 61-65 mph. Changeup is thrown with near fastball arm speed, 69-74 mph. Off speed pitches show promise but lack polish. Has a high ceiling with feel for the mound.